IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18139, 2 October 1930, Page 8

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

BRITISH PREMIER’S SPEECH

FAITH IN THE FUTURE,

WHERE OUR WEAKNESS LIES

United Press Assn. —Elec. Te!. Copyright. (Received October 2, 1.30 p.m.) > LONDON, October 1. “ I -should like to make this Conference another turning point in o ur history" said Mr. MacDonald in a broadcast speech throughout the country. “We have been suffering from a bad bout of pessimism. The growing weekly figures of unemployment have, been serious enough, but they do not truly indicate unemployment as it was understood a few years ago. It has, however, had the effect of depressing us, and hiding us in a cloud to the rest of the world. This must be stopped. Our weakness lies in our psychology more than in our skill, materials, iesources and opportunities. We need a renewal of faith that the Empire is a waxing- and not a waning state. The present generation must add to its honour. The value of trade will not keep inter-Empire- affections vital, but vital affection must keep our trade ample. Economic interests are often conflicting and not easy to harmonise, Many -schemes discussed in the press would break down in six months. They would not enrich the Empire's peoples permanently either in trade or reputation. The conference opens amid , a disquieting outlook, but British genius is at its best when the difficulties are greatest. On the very magnitude of the problems we are facing 1 build good hope, of overcoming them.”’

THE OPENING. PRIVACY A BLUNDER. MUCH DISCUSSION EVOKED. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Oct. 2, 2.10 pm.) LONDON, Oct. 1. There was much discussion over the blunder of not having the public opening when at least two Dominions were agitating therefore. To overcome this a suggestion was made for a Press .committee to keep the journalists informed, but an assurance was given [that adequate arrangements would be !made, so the agitation subsided. > This much, however, 'has been made 'clear —that if the Australians feel their position needs elaborating publicly it will be done through Australian channels, not the regular Press Bureau. / It was intended to delve to-mor-row straight into the economic issue, but Mr Bennett pointed out that he had only recently assumed office, and only arrived yesterday, so he was not prepared to take up an intimate discussion immediately.